RNLI beach safety
The RNLI formed its lifeguard service in 2001 to standardise the approach to
the provision of a beach lifeguard service on our beaches. In 2008, the RNLI
Lifeguards Service covers over 100 beaches in the south of England and Pembrokeshire
in south Wales, employing more than 500 Lifeguards. The aim is to make a significant
difference to safety on beaches by providing an integrated rescue service along
with the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews to provide a joined-up rescue service
from the beach to the open sea, with common standards, defined operational areas
and effective resourcing.
The RNLI is a charity reliant on donations and legacies. For more information
on RNLI Lifeguards, visit www.rnli.org.uk or call 0800 328 0600
Details of all beaches covered by the RNLI Lifeguards Service are listed in
the Good Beach Guide.
Click here to download - 'On
The Beach' - The RNLI guide to a safe & fun time at the seaside (pdf)
Click here to download - RNLI
Beach Safety Information Sheet (a quick reference for the beach)(pdf)
(PDF Documents. Require Adobe Acrobat Reader available FREE from
www.Adobe.com)
For a safe day at the
beach: Remember F L A G S
Find
the Red and Yellow flags flags, and swim between them.
Look at the safety
signs.
Ask a lifeguard for
advice about where it's safe to swim.
Get a friend to swim
with you.
Stick your hand in
the air and shout for help if in difficulty.
Call 01202 663553, or email beachsafety@rnli.org.uk,
for beach safety information and advice from the RNLI Beach Lifeguards
Service.
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Before you get in the water
1: Spot any dangers by checking out the beach when
you arrive. Be aware of physical hazards such as rocks, piers, groynes
and breakwaters.
2: Look for undertow currents and dangerous rip currents. If you're
unsure, ask the Lifeguard.
3: Don't swim alone, it's safer with a friend, and try to make sure
there are other people around - You never know when help might be
needed.
4: Take safety advice, and aim to swim where there is a Lifeguard
on patrol - Look for zoned swimming areas, marked by Red and Yellow flags.
5: Look out for safety information, warning signs and flags. NEVER
swim where a sign says not to, or when a Red flag is flying.
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Learn more about beach safety
The RNLI publishes clear and practical information
on beach safety. Learn how to safeguard you and your family by visiting Beach
Safety
RNLI Beach Safety Manager
RNLI HQ
West Quay Road
Poole, Dorset
BH11 1HZ
tel: 01202 663553
email: beachsafety@rnli.org.uk
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For further information
If you're interested in developing your knowledge
of beach and water safety, or looking for professional contacts,
why not visit the National
Water Safety Forum website, which gives information
on sea safety, inland water safety, water sports safety, and water
safety in the home.
Find your nearest hospital with DirectGov Public Services
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